Help reduce dementia risk with new patient awareness tools and GP conversation guides
The Australian Government is encouraging Australians aged 50 years and over to learn more about reducing their risk of dementia through a new national brain health campaign. On 1 July 2026, the Australian Government sent a letter to all people living in Australia who turned 50 in the year to 30 June 2026. The letter outlines things that can be done to reduce dementia risk. As patients begin receiving information about dementia prevention, many may raise questions with their general practitioner (GP) or other primary healthcare professional.
Help your patients take action to reduce dementia risk today
While age and genetics cannot be changed, research shows that around 45% of dementia risk is linked to potentially modifiable factors. Many of these are already addressed through routine preventive care in general practice, including cardiovascular risk management, smoking cessation, diabetes care, physical activity, healthy weight, hearing health and mental wellbeing.
This means general practice is well placed to help patients understand that protecting brain health is a lifelong process, and that taking action in midlife can contribute to healthier ageing.
The campaign also reinforces the value of preventive health discussions that are already taking place in practices, creating another opportunity to encourage patients to make sustainable lifestyle changes that benefit both brain health and overall health.
Conversation starter tools are available for clinicians
GPs, practice nurses and other primary care professionals are encouraged to use routine consultations and preventive health assessments to discuss brain health with appropriate patients.
A range of free resources are available to support these conversations, including:
evidence-based information on modifiable dementia risk factors
patient education materials
translated resources
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources
information to support healthy ageing conversations in primary care.
Reducing dementia risk doesn't require a separate clinical pathway. Rather, it builds on the preventive care, chronic disease management and healthy ageing support that primary care teams already provide every day.
Further information
Visit the website to access the Australian Government's dementia risk reduction resources and supporting clinical information to help guide conversations with patients about protecting brain health.